Week 2 of the Colts’ preseason vs. Green Bay will center on the Anthony Richardson–Daniel Jones duel, but several hidden battles could shape the 53-man roster. Austin Ajiake is pushing for a linebacker role alongside Zaire Franklin, with coach Lou Anarumo pointing to a revolving door at the position and Ajiake’s prior camp work on special teams hinting at a possible path to snaps beyond routine reserve duties.

In the passing game, Will Mallory has emerged as a reliable receiving alternative at tight end, potentially teaming with two-TE sets in pass-heavy looks as Mo Alie-Cox and Drew Ogletree anchor blocking duties. On the perimeter, Alex Johnson and Johnathan Edwards highlight the CB competition opposite Charvarius Ward’s likely foil, with Sam Womack and injuries to JuJu Brents and Jaylon Jones opening up opportunities. The defense and special-teams units will be watching these battles closely as Indianapolis builds depth this preseason.

Meanwhile, veterans like Jelani Woods and Jelani Woods’ peers show the Colts’ long-term planning: Woods as a dynamic receiving option, Mallory as a complementary pass-catcher, and Ajiake as a special-teams contributor who could carve a niche if linebacking depth settles in his favor. The quarterback-receiver mix remains the marquee story, but the steps of Ajiake, Mallory, and the CB options will influence early-season rotations and depth-chart decisions.

The Indianapolis Colts are gearing up for training camp with a notably healthy roster, as confirmed by GM Chris Ballard. Notably, no players are expected to begin on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list, which is a significant boost for the team.

Quarterback Anthony Richardson will be on the field for the first practice, although the team plans to manage his throwing volume carefully. Linebacker Zaire Franklin, who had offseason ankle surgery, isn't starting on the PUP list, indicating he could return to practice sooner than expected. This also bodes well for Jaylon Carlies, who underwent shoulder surgery and missed both OTAs and minicamp.

The Indianapolis Colts are gearing up for the upcoming training camp, which begins on July 21st for rookies. Among the players drawing attention is linebacker Jaylon Carlies, who is expected to step into a starting role alongside Zaire Franklin. As Carlies enters his second season, he brings a mix of experience and potential, having held opponents to just 6.0 yards per catch as a rookie. However, with only 242 defensive snaps to his name, questions linger about his readiness for a full-time starting position.

The Colts' linebacker unit faces a pivotal moment, as the effectiveness of their defense could hinge on Carlies' development. Analyst Chris Ballard believes Carlies has the potential for significant growth, making this camp crucial for his progression.

Indianapolis Colts linebacker Zaire Franklin has garnered attention from NFL executives for his impressive work ethic and tackling ability, although he falls short of being a top-tier playmaker. In the previous season, he led the league with 173 tackles, achieving career highs in pressures, sacks, and interceptions, ultimately earning a Pro Bowl selection and a second-team All-Pro nod. While Franklin's tackling skills are commendable, there are concerns regarding his coverage abilities, as quarterbacks had a high completion rate when targeting him.

To enhance his coverage game, the Colts have brought in Jaylon Carlies, who is expected to complement Franklin's style and provide a stronger presence in the secondary. The implementation of Lou Anarumo's defensive scheme could also benefit Franklin, allowing him to focus on his strengths while minimizing his weaknesses in coverage. Franklin's development in this area will be crucial for the Colts' defensive success moving forward.